California man to face charges in South Florida nurse shark operation

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A California man accused of selling young nurse sharks over the Internet faces charges in South Florida.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Miami reported Tuesday that 43-year-old Dean Trinh, of Milpitas, Calif., has been arrested and made his initial court appearance in California. His first Florida court date has not been set.

Authorities say former Florida Keys resident Allan Wagner, who died before his indictment was unsealed, harvested nurse shark pups from lobster traps he placed in Florida waters in 2009 and then shipped them to California by commercial air cargo for further sale by Trinh. Trinh operated a business in Milpitas known as Aquatop USA, which reportedly advertised the sale of nurse sharks on eBay and Craig's List.

Prosecutors believe the men sold and transferred approximately 74 sharks.